In a significant breakthrough, the FBI has dismantled a major theft ring operating across California and nearby regions, responsible for stealing millions from ATMs and cash vaults. This group of cunning thieves managed to evade law enforcement while executing their schemes in areas ranging from Hollywood to Seattle.

According to reports from the San Jose Mercury News, federal prosecutors in California’s Eastern District have charged a 10-member theft ring with conspiring to steal millions from numerous banks and ATMs. The indictment highlights that many of the suspects are Chilean nationals, some of whom used multiple aliases and fake identification. They allegedly rented Airbnbs near their targets and used a secretive stolen vehicle rental service to facilitate their crimes.

While the exact amount stolen by the group throughout 2024 remains unclear, the indictment outlines dozens of theft or attempted theft incidents, totaling $2,581,954. This includes multiple cases where thieves made off with $250,000 in a single heist.

In nearly every robbery, the suspects employed similar tactics: conducting reconnaissance of crime scenes, renting Airbnbs and vehicles ahead of time, and executing their plans. They typically sprayed over security cameras before using power tools to break into the ATM machines. The indictment claims the thieves often disguised themselves, impersonating construction workers while carrying cell phone jammers, tool kits, and heavy-duty instruments.

In some cases, entry to bank cash vaults required breaking through walls. For instance, on September 18 of last year, the group breached the Diamond in the Ruff pet spa in Mendocino and meticulously carved a large hole to access the adjacent Wells Fargo ATM room. This particular incident resulted in a loss of $247,000 for the bank.

Despite their efforts to cover their tracks, the indictment notes that the thieves consistently left behind digital evidence. A pivotal moment for the FBI came when they identified a suspicious vehicle that was frequently used and traced it back to an underground rental service in West Hollywood.

Investigators learned that a Chevrolet Suburban was rented by an individual using the Instagram account @xtrackz, who claimed to rent it out to a person named “Gordito” for a vacation. According to the indictment, this individual was unaware that the vehicle had been stolen.

“Gordito” turned out to be Alex Moyano-Morales, a man with multiple aliases and counterfeit identification, who authorities say held citizenship in both Colombia and the U.S. He is identified as the principal defendant and the mastermind behind the theft ring.

Once Gordito’s identity was confirmed, investigators tracked his mobile location data from previous months, revealing that his associates had rented Airbnbs near several robbery sites. In addition to Gordito, numerous co-defendants have been charged.

Authorities state that each defendant had specific roles during the robberies—some rented Airbnbs and vehicles, while others scouted targets or executed the crimes. Their operations spanned multiple locations in Central California, and the indictment suggests they may also be linked to a series of similar thefts investigated in Los Angeles and San Diego. Earlier this month, officials disclosed that the group had relocated to Oregon, where they were suspected of committing at least two similar thefts.

Based on court records, the theft ring members face penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.